 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Plant Source DHA Omega-3
|
|
|
|
IN STOCK - YES
|
|
FA8
|
What is Plant Source DHA Omega-3?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart and vascular health. DHA is also critical to brain function and eye health; DHA makes up 97% of the omega-s fatty acids found in the brain and 93% of the omega-3 fatty acids in the retina. It is a key component of the heart, and it is essential to fetal and childhood development. In recent years, researchers have concluded that DHA is important for pregnant mothers, newborns and infants, as it plays a critical role in neurological development. If you are in this group, talk to your doctor about DHA supplementation and consider DHA from an algae source for its purity.
Most people think that coldwater fish produce their own DHA, however the truth is, they do not. Like us, fish get most of their DHA through the food they eat. The vast majority of the DHA in fish comes from eating algae or other fish that eat algae. With our plant source, vegetarian DHA, we have cut out the "middlemen," fish, and have gone straight to the source: algae.
The DHA in this supplement is derived from microalgae, making it free of contaminates commonly found in fish and fish products, and it is suitable for vegetarians. The algae are grown under controlled conditions in an FDA-inspected facility. Because this DHA is not from fish or krill, there is no concern of ocean-borne contaminants or environmental degradation from over-harvesting. Our vegetarian DHA offers a level of purity that cannot be achieved from other sources, and it is ecologically sustainable. Additionally it is in a vegetarian softshell capsule.
Why Is Our Plant Source DHA Omega-3 Better?
The DHA in this supplement is derived from microalgae, making it suitable for vegetarians. However, this supplement is not just for vegetarians and vegans. Because the algae is grown in a controlled environment, it is free of contaminants commonly found in fish and fish products, making it ideal for anyone concerned about ocean-borne contaminants and the environmental impact of fish oil supplements. Also, unlike fish oil capsules, there is no fishy aftertaste or "fish burp" with this omega-3 supplement. Perhaps the most important attribute for some people: these capsules are much smaller than any fish oil supplement we have ever sold! Finally, the outer capsule of this product is also vegetarian, containing no gelatin.
Thus, we think this product covers every objection to standard fish oil capsules: it is 100% vegetarian, easy to swallow, environmentally friendly, and easy to digest. And, it is packaged in our new Eco-Bottles™, made from 100% recycled plastic resin.
Who Should Consider Plant Source DHA Omega-3?
This product is an excellent, pure source of DHA from algae grown in a controlled environment, which eliminates the concern of ocean-borne contaminants. Further, it is a small, easy-to-swallow capsule that does cause fishy aftertaste or "fish burps"--problems associated with fish oil capsules.
Of all the supplements that we provide to our customers, we are of the opinion that Omega-3s are one of the most valuable. DHA supplementation may:
- support cognitive development & function;
- support visual development & function;
- support cardiovascular health & function;
- reduce inflammation; and
- reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
In short, everyone should consider supplementing with DHA. See the list of Recent Articles, below, for an example of the importance of this supplement.
To be sure you never run out of your favorite products, we now offer our exclusive
Convenience Plan. This plan guarantees delivery of our
high quality products directly
to your door exactly when you need them. Additionally, you receive our lowest price on
each order. It is simple, convenient and free! And, you can change, add to, suspend or
cancel shipments at any time!
|
More Information About DHA Omega-3 (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Certain fatty acids are called "essential" because they must be consumed; that is, essential fatty acids are needed, but the body cannot manufacture them. In a strict sense, DHA it is not one of the "essential" fatty acids because the body can be make it from the omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). However, the conversion of ALA to DHA is inefficient. Studies of strict vegetarians given large amounts of ALA, along with studies of breast-fed infants, have shown that the conversion of ALA to DHA is so inefficient that DHA may be de facto "essential". Therefore it is advisable to consume DHA directly.
Concerns over the Dietary Sources of DHA Omega-3
The primary dietary sources of DHA are salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and organ meat, all of which can be high in contaminants. As well, many of the fish sources are over-harvested. In particular, most species of salmon and nearly all species of tuna are severely over-harvested.
One of the newer sources of DHA is krill, tiny shrimp-like, "bottom of the food chain," crustaceans that serve as food for fish and animals. There is some concern that over-harvesting of krill may be creating food shortages for whales, seals, penguins and many species of fish.
Our algal DHA has none of these environmental impacts and, unlike krill, is completely free of ocean-borne contaminants.
The Importance of DHA in Adult Health
DHA is the primary structural fat in the brain and retina, accounting for 97% of all omega-3 fatty acids found in the brain and and 93% of all omega-3 fatty acids found in the retina. So it is not surprising that a continued intake of DHA may help support the healthy function of these organs. Indeed, low levels of DHA in the red blood cells have been associated with cognitive decline in elderly people. Findings from a large observational study indicate that the intake of DHA and the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is important to retention of cognitive function later in life.
DHA may also support bone health. The results of a Swedish cohort study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, and especially DHA, are positively associated with peak bone mineral density in the total body and spine of young men.
Perhaps the most widely known potential benefit to DHA (and omega-3s in general) is its benefits to cardiovascular health. DHA has been found to lower triglycerides.
The Importance of DHA During Pregnancy and Nursing
DHA is important for brain, eye, and heart health throughout life, but is of special importance to expectant mothers and their developing child. DHA is the primary structural fat in the brain, accounting for 97% of all omega-3 fatty acids found in the brain. It also represents 93% of all omega-3 fatty acids found in the retina, making DHA important for healthy visual and mental development of child in utero and throughout infancy.
A developing infant receives DHA from its mother. During pregnancy the fetus receives DHA though the placenta; after birth, the infant receives DHA through breast milk. While experts currently recommend average daily intake of 200mg to 300mg of DHA, studies have found that, on average, North American women only get 20% to 40% of that--60mg to 80mg per day. Numerous study have found that the amount of DHA in breast milk is dependent on the mother's diet. Dietary supplements of DHA have been shown to increase the DHA levels in a mother's blood and breast milk, and in turn increase the DHA levels in both a fetus and breastfeeding infant.
DHA intake has been shown to directly impact the development of the child in measurable ways. Higher levels of DHA in breast milk have been associated with an infant's ability to easily adjust to changes in surroundings (measured using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale). DHA supplementation by the mother during the lactation/breastfeeding period has been associated with improved psychomotor development (e.g. eye-hand coordination) at 2.5 years of age, and improved attention skills at age 5.
Further statistical modeling designed by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis suggests that DHA supplementation by the mother may actually increase a child's IQ. Additionally, meta-analysis studies have found that DHA supplementation may extend the gestation period, averaging 1.6 to 2.6 days closer to term. One study found that the gestation period increased by 6 days closer to term. Longer gestational period provides a health benefit to both the mother and child with lower risk birth and lower long-term health risks.
A child's brain grows rapidly during the last few months of gestation and the first few years of life. During this growth spurt, DHA is rapidly accumulated in the brain. However, during this period an infant may not be able to consistently or efficiently produce DHA. Therefore it is of critical importance that a child receive DHA through breast milk or a supplemented infant formula.
Finally, a study on the specific DHA used in this product found that it may improve memory and learning. The study found that healthy adults 55 years old or older who consumed 900mg of algal DHA per day for 6 months demonstrated enhanced memory and learning skills compared to those taking a placebo.
DHA Tolerability:
Tolerability is high. There can be occasional gastric discomfort, which can be ameliorated by taking with food.
Side Effects
Some people have reported an increase in LDL cholesterol levels, so monitor your cholesterol levels closely and report any increases to your physician.
|
|
|
|
Label Facts
 |
|
|
|
|
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Servings per container: 60 |
|
|
Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
|
| Calories |
5 |
|
|
| Calories from Fat |
5 |
|
|
| Total Fat |
0.5 g |
<1%* |
|
| DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) |
200 mg |
† |
|
|
|
|
|
Other ingredients: Vegetarian softgel capsule (modified corn starch, glycerin, water, carrageenan, sorbital, beta-carotene [vitamin A], caramel [coloring]) algal oil, high oleic sunflower oil, ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), tocopherols (antioxidants), natural flavor, sunflower lecithin.
|
|
|
|
Dietary Restrictions
 This is a vegetarian product.
|
|
References
Click Here for References
|
|
|
|
|
Back
top |
previous page
print this page